The Museum’s Community Courtyard is a welcoming space, cool in the heat, cosy on a cool morning,
and a welcome oasis for the next Niagara-the-Lake Museum Courtyard Activity, “Essentrics”, offered by
Judy Hernder.
But what exactly is Essentrics? “Essentrics isn’t yoga, it isn’t pilates,” said instructor Judy Hernder.
“Essentrics is training your muscles, developing your strength, working specifically with the joints, the
connective tissues, and all with gentle movement that helps remove stiffness and pain.”
The program is a completely original workout that incorporates the flow of Tai Chi, the strength and
balance of dance, and the healing principles of physiotherapy. “Basically, with Essentrics, we’re aging
backwards,” said Hernder. “The program is known for its age-friendly benefits and for allowing each
individual, of any age, to work within their own challenges, within their own limit.”
The NOTL Museum Courtyard provides the perfect backdrop for this kind of unique community
engagement. Visitors are surrounded by not only glorious hydrangeas, irises, hostas, and the Janet
Carnochan Rose, no less, but also the reminders of a past era: an Upper Canada tannery millstone from
one of the many mills along Four Mile Creek; stepping stones for passengers who travelled on Ontario’s
first railroad, the Erie and Ontario Railroad; the classic stone simplicity of an 1800s dry sink; or an 1890s
hitching post that allowed patrons to tie up their horses at Long’s Hotel, now the Prince of Wales. All
these stone memories create a piece of NOTL’s history.
What better place to stretch, relax, and feel rejuvenated.
Hernder says mats are not necessary but are always welcome in an outdoor setting. However, this is a
standing class, using chairs for balance and sitting when necessary.
Essentrics in the Courtyard:
Wednesdays: 9am – 10am: August 20, August 27, September 3, September 10.
To register for Essentrics in the Courtyard, please visit: www.notlmuseum/whatson
Click on ‘Purchase Tickets’ to reserve your space. Payment is not required at registration.
Admission is by donation when participants arrive at the Courtyard.
The Community Courtyard is located at the NOTL Museum, 43 Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
For more information: www.notlmuseum.ca Or call the NOTL Museum: 905 468 3912.